Another Canberran takes a step

Goulburn and Canberra Football ace Chris Bush scores Hyundai A-League deal

No team in Canberra but still we produce plenty of talent!

From the Brisbane Roar website:

Brisbane Roar Youth captain Chris Bush has been rewarded for his inspirational performances in the National Youth League, signing a Hyundai A-League contract with the league leaders until the end of the current season.

A product of the Australian Institute of Sport, Bush was given the opportunity from Head Coach Ange Postecoglou after a spot on the roster opened up following last month’s departure of Brazilian-born striker Reinaldo.

The 18-year-old has worn the skipper’s armband for the Brisbane Roar Youth side in just his first season at the club, a telling indication of his commitment, passion and technical ability according to Postecoglou.

“Bushy has worked hard all year, he’s really earned his spot,” the Brisbane boss said.

“He’s been outstanding for the youth team and really suits our style of game so I’m pleased to have him on board.”

Bush agreed with his coach’s observations, naming the leadership of the youth squad and the belief of the Brisbane Roar coaching staff as the main catalysts to his confidence and in turn, dominant football displays.

“I’m really looking forward to it and I’m appreciative of the chance that Ange has given me,” he said.

“Getting the captaincy made me want to improve more and lead the team well, I think my form in the youth league definitely helped me get this opportunity.”

Not afraid to take control of the midfield battle and a constant menace to opposition defences, Bush has been an integral part of the Brisbane’s National Youth League side’s rise to second place on the ladder.

A similar type of player to current club captain Matt McKay and midfield workhorse Massimo Murdocca, Postecoglou tipped Bush as a star of Brisbane’s future who would flourish under the guidance of the older squad members as the Roar look ahead to their final fixtures of the season.

“We’re giving him an opportunity now, it’s up to him to work hard and take the next step,” he said.

“He’s very similar to Massimo and Matty, they’re busy, hardworking midfielders and good technically as well.”

The Brisbane coach had no doubts that if needed, Bush was more than capable to stepping up to Hyundai A-League level given his high work rate and leadership qualities that he has displayed both in the National Youth League and on the training paddock.

“It’s up to him to keep working hard and with Matty (McKay) at the Asian Cup we don’t really have a lot of depth,” Postecoglou said.

“I guess it’s just about opportunity – he’s been working hard and I’m sure he’ll be ready if one comes his way.”

Bush said if the chance to don a Hyundai A-League jersey fell his way, he wouldn’t let it slip away without a fight.

“If I do get the opportunity, I just want to grab it with both hands.”

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Two ACT boys make Joeys

Chris Bush and Ben Harrington have been selected to represent Australia Under 16.

The Australian Under 16 Football Team leave Australia on Wednesday to participate in an Asean Football Federation Youth Championship in Jakarta from 9-19 July.

Coach Martyn Crook, has named 18 players to take part in the five team tournament which also includes Bahrain, Malaysia, Singapore and host nation, Indonesia.

"This is an important part of our preparation for the Asian Football Confederation's (AFC) Under 16 Championships, and gives me a good opportunity to see the boys in action in conditions different from those they're used to at home," Crook said.

The AFC Under 16 Championships will be held in Uzbekistan in October.

"It is also the first time this group of players has played in a tournament against players of their own age. Past tournaments have been against older players, so this will be a very good test of just how we're doing at this age group."

"Being able to benchmark our performance at the age group is particularly important as this age group includes the players who will form the core of the Qantas Socceroos in 2018."

Crook said there is one debutant amongst the group, striker Kerem Bulut from NSW. THe full squad is:

KeremBulut strikerNSW
Christopher Bush midfielderACT
Million Butshiire strikerWA
JosephCosta midfielderSA
NathanFarrell defenderSA
PetarFranjic defenderVIC
Brendan Hamill defenderNSW
BenjaminHarrington midfielderACT
Kamal Ibrahim midfielderVIC
BenjaminKantarovski midfielderNSW
RobertKolakgoalkeeperNSW
JaredLum midfielderNSW
ChahineNoujaim fullbackSA
TrentSainsbury defenderWA
NikolaStanojevic strikerNSW
LawrenceThomas goalkeeperNSW
MarcWarren left backNSW
TedrosYabio midfielderVIC


The tournament schedule will see the Qantas Joeys play four matches in six days with finals to be held on 19 July. The Qantas Joeys will continue their preparation for the Under 16 AFC Championships with club-based tournaments in the Netherlands and Germany in August.

ENDS

NOTE: The Qantas Joeys depart Sydney for Jakarta on QF41 on 2 July 2008. Media interested in photo or interview opportunities should contact Adam Mark on 0409 390 340 for further details.

MATCH SCHEDULE
Asean Football Federation Under 16 Youth Championship
Lebak Bulus Stadium, Jakarta
9 July
Australia v Bahrain
Singapore v Malaysia
Indonesia BYE
11 July
Bahrain v Singapore
Indonesia v Australia
Malaysia BYE
13 July
Australia v Malaysia
Indonesia v Bahrain
Singapore BYE
15 July
Singapore v Australia
Malaysia v Indonesia
Bahrain BYE
17 July
Malaysia v Bahrain
Indonesia v Singapore
Australia BYE
19 July
3 v 4
1 v 2

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Two ACTAS make the Joeys

AACTAS players Chris Bush and Ben Harrington have made the Joeys for the upcoming AFC Under 16 Champs in Jakarta. ACTAS release below.

Two ACT Academy of Sport (ACTAS) Footballers selected onto the Qantas Joeys


Football Federation Australia (FFA) has just confirmed that ACTAS Player's Ben Harrington and Chris Bush have been selected onto the Australian National Under 16 Team for the upcoming AFF U16 Championships, Jakarta Indonesia.

Key dates -
• 2 July 2008 – Players leave Australia for Jakarta
• 3 - 8 July 2008 – Pre tournament camp in Jakarta
• 9 July 2008 – Australia V Bahrain
• 11 July 2008 – Australia V Indonesia
• 13 July 2008 – Australia V Malaysia
• 15 July 2008 – Australia V Singapore
• 19 July 2008 – Finals

Further info on the QANTAS Joey's and match information please visit –

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2018 World Cup side

Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman, Frank Lowy AC, today met with the young men who will carry the hopes of Australian football for the next decade.

Well some of them! These things change. Danai Gapare from Canberra was there. Well done Danai. But I'm sure Chris Bush and one or two others will be pushing hard.

And no pressure on our young fella's hey Frank!

WISHING AND HOPING - THE FACES OF 2018



Football Federation Australia (FFA) Chairman, Frank Lowy AC, today met with the young men who will carry the hopes of Australian football for the next decade.

The Australian Under 17 team – known as the Qantas Joeys – met with the team as they assembled in Sydney to watch their senior counterparts, the Qantas Socceroos, play an international friendly match against Ghana on Friday night.

“This is our football future,” Mr Lowy said.

“These young men are the faces of 2018 who will be the core of the team that fills our field of dreams in our bid to host and play in the 2018 FIFA World Cup.”

Mr Lowy said that he wants players around Australia, who have aspirations to be a footballer, to be committed to the Australian cause for 2018 and beyond.

“There is no greater honour than representing your country.

“Australia provides you with education, both academic and sporting, and I think it’s only fair that young people with sporting ability should choose with pride to play for Australia whether you are born here or come as a migrant or refugee.”

Mr Lowy said that he was delighted the Qantas Joeys reflected the diversity of the Australian population, comprising players from all over Australia and including some who had come to Australia as refugees and migrants.

He encouraged all of them to work hard at school and at football.

“Dreams do come true if you’re prepared to work hard.”

“Our bid for the 2018 FIFA World Cup is not a dry run,” he said.

“We want to host, play in and win the World Cup in 2018.”

ENDS
Profiles of the current Qantas Joeys are attached. The coach is Martyn Crook and assistant coach is Jean Paul de Marigny.



Qantas Joeys Profiles

Jared Lum (NSW)
Date of Birth: 19 July 1992
Place of Birth: Sydney
Height: 174
Weight: 64
Current Club : Sydney Wanderers
Junior Clubs: Winston Hills Bears (NSW), Hills Brumbies (NSW), Northern Spirit (NSW), Blacktown City Demons (NSW), Sydney Wanderers (NSW)
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Midfielder
Qantas Joeys Appearances: 4
Debut Match: v Japan (L3-0), Friendly, Japan, August 2007
Last Match: v Malaysia (W2-0), AFC Qualifying, Singapore, October 2007

George Klappas (NSW)
Date of Birth: 17 Jan 1992
Place of Birth: Sydney
Height: 187
Weight: 75
Current Club: NSW Institute of Sport
Junior Clubs: Sydney Olympic (NSW), St George (NSW), Blacktown City (NSW)
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Defender

Brendon Hamill (NSW)
Date of Birth: 18 Sep 1992
Place of Birth: Sydney
Height: 177
Weight: 68
Current Club: Sydney Wanderers (NSW)
Junior Clubs: Chipping Norton (NSW), Marconi (NSW), Parramatta Eagles (NSW), Sydney Wanderers (NSW)
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Midfielder
Qantas Joeys Appearances: 3
Goals: 1
Debut Match: v Japan (L3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007
Last Match: v Korea Republic (W3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007


Marc Warren (NSW)
Date of Birth: 11 Feb 1992
Place of Birth: Sutherland (NSW)
Height: 172
Weight: 68
Current Club: Sutherland Sharks (NSW)
Junior Clubs: Menai Hawks (NSW), Sutherland (NSW)
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Defender
Qantas Joeys Appearances : 4
Goals : 2
Debut Match: v Japan (L3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007
Last Match: v Malaysia (W2-0), AFC Qualifying, Singapore, October 2007


Lawrence Thomas (NSW)
Date of Birth: 9 May 1992
Place of Birth: Sydney
Height: 185
Weight: 85
Current Club: NSW Institute of Sport
Junior Clubs: Marconi, Bankstown, Blacktown
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Goalkeeper

Robert Kolak (NSW)
Date of Birth: 23 Jan 1992
Place of Birth: Fairfield (NSW)
Height: 190
Weight: 72
Current Club: Sydney United (NSW)
Junior Clubs: Prairiewood United (NSW), Canley Heights (NSW), AC United (NSW), Sydney United Youth (NSW)
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Goalkeeper

Anthony Perri (NSW)
Date of Birth : 14 Jan 1992
Place of Birth: Sydney
Height: 164
Weight: 68
Current Club: NSW Institute of Sport
Junior Clubs: Blacktown, St George, Oatley RSL
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport

Niko Stanojevic (NSW)
Date of Birth : 25 Jun 1992
Place of Birth: Serbia
Height: 173
Weight: 68
Current Club: Bankstown City Lions (NSW)
Junior Clubs: White City (NSW), Croydon (NSW), Blue Eagles (NSW), Parramatta Eagles (NSW), Bankstown City Lions (NSW)
Institutes & Academies: NSW Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Striker
Qantas Joeys Appearances : 4
Debut Match: v Japan (L3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007
Last Match : v Malaysia (W2-0), AFC Qualifying, Singapore, October 2007

Phillip Lamin (QLD)
Date of Birth: 9 Oct 1992
Place of Birth: Sierra Leone
Height: 156
Weight: 56
Current Club: QAS
Junior Clubs: The Gap, Mitchelton, Rochedale
Institutes & Academies: QAS
Playing Position: Striker

Phil arrived in Australia 5 years ago as a refugee from Sierra Leone

Danai Gapare (ACT)
Date of Birth : 25 Feb 1992
Place of Birth : Zimbabwe
Height : 165
Weight : 65
Current Club: ACT Academy of Sport
Junior Clubs: West Point Grey SC (ACT), Woden Valley (ACT), Capital Football Youth (ACT)
Institutes & Academies: ACT Academy of Sport
Playing Position: Striker
Qantas Joeys Appearances : 3
Debut Match: v Japan (L3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007
Last Match: v Korea Republic (W3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007


Tedros Yabio (VIC)
Date of Birth : 14 Dec 1992
Place of Birth : Sudan
Height : 175
Weight : 65
Junior Clubs: Enfield (SA), Croydon (SA), Olympic (SA), Adelaide City (SA)
Institutes & Academies: Victorian Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Striker
Qantas Joeys Appearances: 4
Debut Match: v Japan (L3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007
Last Match: v Malaysia (W2-0), AFC Qualifying, Singapore, October 2007

Tedros arrived in Australia 13 years ago as a refugee from Ethiopia


Kamal Ibrahim (VIC)
Date of Birth: 26 Jul 1992
Place of Birth: Ethiopia
Height: 172
Weight: 61
Current Club: Victorian Institute of Sport
Previous Clubs: Altona East (VIC)
Junior Clubs: PDRE Melbourne (VIC), Altona East (VIC)
Institutes & Academies: Victorian Institute of Sport
Playing Position: Midfielder
Qantas Joeys Appearances : 4
Goals : 1
Debut Match: v Japan (L3-0), Friendly, Nagoya (JPN), August 2007
Last Match: v Malaysia (W2-0), AFC Qualifying, Singapore, October 2007

Kamal arrived in Australia 5 years ago as a refugee from Ethiopia

Million Butshiire (WA)
Date of Birth: 19 Jan 1992
Place of Birth: Goma (Congo)
Weight: 78
Current Club: FW National Training Centre
Previous Clubs: Perth Italia (WA)
Junior Clubs: Perth Italia (WA)
Institutes & Academies: Football West National Training Centre
Playing Position: Striker

Million arrived in Australia 4 years ago as a refugee from the Congo

Julius Davies (WA)
Date of Birth : 30 Sep 1992
Place of Birth: Liberia
Height: 158
Weight: 58
Current Club: FW Training Centre
Junior Clubs: Inglewood United
Institutes & Academies: FW Training Centre
Playing Position: Midfielder

Julius arrived in Australia 4 years ago as a refugee from Liberia

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Joeys get tough World Cup draw...maybe!

It's going to be tough for Chris Bush. But the boy from Goulburn will see us through.

FFA Release below
QANTAS JOEYS DEALT TOUGH WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PATH

QANTAS JOEYS DEALT TOUGH WORLD CUP QUALIFYING PATH



The Qantas Joeys face a tough path to the 2009 U-17 World Cup following the Asian qualifying draw overnight, with Australia grouped alongside Saudi Arabia and China - both two-time Asian Champions - and Turkmenistan.

The 16-nation AFC U-16 Championship will be held in Uzbekistan from October 4-19 with the top four nations to qualify for next year's World Cup in Nigeria.

"This would undoubtedly be the toughest group on paper but the most difficult thing is that we don't yet know the relative strengths of most of the teams,” said Australian coach Martyn Crook who attended the draw in the Uzbek capital of Tashkent.

"Both Saudi Arabia and China have twice previously been crowned Asian champions and have a strong record at this level.

"Turkmenistan are a neighbouring country to the hosts and will to some degree be experienced with the conditions.

"The opening match of the campaign against Saudi Arabia will be crucial."

Australia have a strong record at youth level and were runners-up at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 1999.


AFC U-16 Championship - Group C Fixtures:

Australia v Saudi Arabia
Sunday 5 October

Australia v China
Tuesday 7 October

Australia v Turkmenistan
Thursday 9 October

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Joey's in Singapore

Goulburn's Chris Bush, who is part of the ACTAS squad, will fly the flag for the region when the Joey's take part in an Under 16 tournament in Singapore this week.

These lads not only have a full program as they aim for the World Cup next year in Chile, they will also be the first Australian Joey's side to benefit from the new Youth League pathway.

Keep an eye on the names in the FFA Release below

QANTAS JOEYS LOOK TOWARDS WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS


The Qantas Joeys will next week commence preparations in earnest for October's FIFA U-17 World Cup qualifiers by participating in the eight-nation Lion City Cup Championship in Singapore.

The tournament has become one of the region’s most prestigious international youth competitions since its inception in 1977.

Australia have been drawn into Group A alongside the United Arab Emirates, Chinese Taipei and Singapore B, while the other group will feature Singapore A, Vietnam, Uzbekistan and Thailand, with the two group winners to meet in the final.

The last international matches for the Qantas Joeys, also in Singapore, were last October's preliminary qualification matches for this year's AFC U-16 Championship to be held in Uzbekistan, October 4-19.

The top four teams in the 2008 AFC U-16 Championship will qualify for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in Nigeria.

"This tournament will be a great opportunity to blend the team together and also compete against different styles of football, but against similar opposition to that which we fill face in the qualifiers," said coach Martyn Crook.

"The tournament which will also be a further step in our preparation towards October, is likely to be quite challenging as we will compete against some good opposition and also against players one year older in some instances."

Fixtures:
Australia V Chinese Taipei
10 March, Choa Chu Kang Stadium

Australia V United Arab Emirates
12 March, Jalan Besar Stadium
Australia V Singapore B
13 March, Jalan Besar Stadium

Finals -
15 March, Jalan Besar Stadium
Winner Group A v Winner Group B,
Runner-up Group A v Runner-up Group B
Grp A 2nd runners-up v Grp B 2nd runners-up
Grp A 3rd runners-up v Grp B 3rd runners-up

The Qantas Joeys squad for the Lion City Cup Championship is:
Eli Babalj (WA), Chris Bush (ACT), Million Butshiire (WA), Nathan Farrell (SA), Petar Franjic (VIC), Brendan Hamill (NSW), Kamal Ibrahim (VIC), James Jeggo (VIC), Robert Kolak (NSW), Jared Lum (NSW), Mitchell Mallia (NSW), Joel Miller (SA), Chahine Noujaim (SA), Trent Sainsbury (WA), Nikola Stanojevic (NSW), Nick Tubbs (QLD), Marc Warren (NSW), Tedros Yabio (VIC)

A notable absentee through injury is Ben Kantarovski who recently became the youngest player to sign for a Hyundai A-League club when he joined the Newcastle Jets.

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Canberra Fed Cup starts with a Bush whack

Australian Joey Representative Chris Bush scored the winning goal as ACTAS came back from a 3-0 deficit to defeat Premier League side Queanbeyan City, 4-3.

Full reports and scores from Capital Football below.


Round One Complete in Men’s Project Coordination Federation Cup


This weekend saw football in Canberra kick off for another season with the historic Project Coordination Federation Cup getting underway at various venues across the territory.

For some, the competition gives them a chance to trial new tactics while for others it’s a timely opportunity for some match fitness ahead of the season. The highlight of round one was the number of goals with 49 strikes finding the back of the net from the eight matches.

Canberra FC got their three-peat campaign off to a winning start at the Tradies Hawker Enclosed after coming from behind to defeat fellow Premier League club Canberra City 2-1.

A cracking goal from City’s Kevin Room gave his side the lead midway through the first half only to see the cool calm and collected Canberra FC find the opposition goal with goals from Alex Castro and Paul Ivanic before the interval. Also at Hawker, White Eagles had no trouble finding their target defeating STFA 5-3 in a Division 1 club battle.

The Belconnen Blue Devils will be looking forward to the start of the season after their two new recruits impressed in their first official outing scoring six goals between them as Ivan Vojvodic got four and Dustin Wells scored twice in Belconnen United’s 10-1 victory over Division 1 side Narrabundah.

In other matches, Canberra Olympic got their 2008 underway with a 3-2 victory over Woden Valley at Woden Enclosed. Last year’s Premier League joint Player of the Year Victor Yanes scored once has he looks to have another stellar season. Also in Canberra’s south, the O’Connor Knights defeated the Cooma Tigers 3-2.

On Sunday, a goal from current Australian Joey’s representative Chris Bush gave ACTAS a stunning come from behind victory over Premier League side Queanbeyan City. After the NSW side took an early 3-nil league, ACTAS fought their way back to make it 3-all at half time only to see national player Bush score with only minutes remaining.

Also at Woden Enclosed, ANU showed no sign of last year’s yips which saw them only score an average of one goal a game (the second least) when they scored nearly half as many in the one game defeated Belwest 7-nil as they look to make it back to back Project Coordination Federation Cup final appearances.

In the final match of round one, Tuggeranong United started 2008 where they finished off last year with another impressive performance as they defeated Weston Creek 4-1 at Kambah 2-1.


Saturday, 1st March 2008
White Eagles def STFA 5-3
Canberra FC def Canberra City 2-1
Belconnen United def Narrabundah 10-1
O’Connor Knights def Cooma Tigers 3-2
Canberra Olympic def Woden Valley 3-2

Sunday, 2nd March 2008
Tuggeranong United def Weston Creek 4-1
Queanbeyan City def by ACTAS 3-4
ANU def Belwest7-0

Chris Gottaas Capital Football

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Chris Bush on Joey's duty.

Goulburn and ACTAS player Chris Bush has again been selected for the Australia Under 17 side, the Joeys.

The Joey's have been invited to play in the 22nd Lion City Cup which is being hosted by the Singapore Football Association.

Eight countries will be participating in the tournament and Australia have been grouped with Chinese Taipei, United Arab Emirates and Singapore.

Chris will fly out with the Joey's to Singapore on Friday 7th March where they will have a two day pre- tournament camp before playing Chinese Taipei in there first
match. They are due back in Australia on the 17th March.

Excellent work Chris.

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Chris Bush wins Australian sports rookie award

Chris Bush is from Goulburn in NSw, but plays in Canberra with the ACTAS side. He's also a member of the Joey's.

1,000 young people from 65 different sports and Chris beat them all!

In a talented sports nation that is no mean feat!

Congratulations to Chris.

Read the full Capital Football media release from Chris Gottaas below.

ACTAS' Christopher Bush Honoured with Rebel Sport Award
Capital Football would like to congratulate the ACT Academy of Sports' Christopher Bush following the announcement of his latest honour as the 2007 Rebel Sport Rookies Talent ID Program recipient.

With a more than a thousand high quality applicants ranging from 65 different sports, the programs ambassadors Liz Ellis, Kostya Tszyu and Rebel Sport Group Managing Director, Mr Stephen Heath have chosen Bush as one of seven well deserved winners.

Whilst playing with an U14’s squad Bush was invited to train and play with the ACT Academy of Sport U20 Premier Pathway League and was recently selected to join the Australian U17 Joeys Team to tour Japan a couple months ago.

Christopher Bush will again be playing on the international stage when he lines up as the only ACT representative in the Qantas Joeys qualifying campaign for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

The Qantas Joeys will travel to Singapore for the first stage of qualifying where they will face Malaysia, DPR Korea and East Timor with two of the four teams to progress to next year’s AFC U-16 Championship. The top ranked teams in the AFC Championship will then represent Asia at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Keep your eyes and ears out for Christopher Bush as a very bright prospect for the future of Australian football.

Congratulations to Christopher Bush from the Capital Football family!

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Chris Bush selected in Joeys Squad

AUSTRALIAN YOUNGSTERS TAKE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS INTERNATIONAL STAGE

Australia’s latest crop of talented young footballers will commence their competitive international football careers next week when the Qantas Joeys (Australia U-17) open their qualifying campaign for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Goulburns Chris Bush is the only Capital Football representative in the squad.



Australia will travel to Singapore for the first stage of qualifying where they will face Malaysia, DPR Korea and East Timor with two of the four teams to progress to next year’s AFC U-16 Championship. The top ranked teams in the AFC Championship will then represent Asia at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Coach Martyn Crook has selected a 20-strong squad with players having represented their States or Territories at last week’s National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour.

“Our main focus for now is obviously to qualify for next year’s AFC championship and then have the opportunity to build a strong group of players that can be developed into future stars,” said Crook.

“The first match against Malaysia will be absolutely crucial and we will have to acclimatize quickly especially given Malaysia will likely be quite familiar with the conditions.”

The current generation of Qantas Joeys played their first international matches in August when they finished fifth at the Toyota International Youth Football Championship in Japan.

Meanwhile, the Qantas Young Socceroos (Australia U-20) will commence their qualifying campaign in Vietnam next month for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.


The Qantas Joeys squad is:
Eli Babalj (State - WA), Chris Bush (ACT), Million Butshiire (WA), Cameron Edwards (WA), Nick Fitzgerald (NSW), Petar Franjic (VIC), Brendan Hamill (NSW), Kamal Ibrahim (VIC), Ben Kantarovski (NSW), George Klappas (NSW), Robert Kolak (NSW), Jared Lum (NSW), Mitchell Mallia (NSW), Joel Miller (SA), Chahine Noujaim (SA), Trent Sainsbury (WA), Nikola Stanojevic (NSW), Nick Tubbs (QLD), Marc Warren (NSW), Tedros Yabio (VIC)

Qantas Joeys Fixtures:
Thu 11 Oct Training Match v COE U16 Combined Team, Jalan Besar Stadium, 7.30pm kick off local time

Mon 15 Oct v Singapore U15, Singapore Sports School, 7.30pm kick off local time
Wed 17 Oct Australia v Malaysia, Jalan Besar Stadium, 7pm kick off local time

Fri 19 Oct v DPR Korea, Jalan Besar Stadium, 5pm kick off local time

Sun 21 Oct v East Timor, Jalan Besar Stadium, 5pm kick off local time



Australia will travel to Singapore for the first stage of qualifying where they will face Malaysia, DPR Korea and East Timor with two of the four teams to progress to next year’s AFC U-16 Championship. The top ranked teams in the AFC Championship will then represent Asia at the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Coach Martyn Crook has selected a 20-strong squad with players having represented their States or Territories at last week’s National Youth Championships in Coffs Harbour.

“Our main focus for now is obviously to qualify for next year’s AFC championship and then have the opportunity to build a strong group of players that can be developed into future stars,” said Crook.

“The first match against Malaysia will be absolutely crucial and we will have to acclimatize quickly especially given Malaysia will likely be quite familiar with the conditions.”

The current generation of Qantas Joeys played their first international matches in August when they finished fifth at the Toyota International Youth Football Championship in Japan.

Meanwhile, the Qantas Young Socceroos (Australia U-20) will commence their qualifying campaign in Vietnam next month for the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup.


The Qantas Joeys squad is:
Eli Babalj (State - WA), Chris Bush (ACT), Million Butshiire (WA), Cameron Edwards (WA), Nick Fitzgerald (NSW), Petar Franjic (VIC), Brendan Hamill (NSW), Kamal Ibrahim (VIC), Ben Kantarovski (NSW), George Klappas (NSW), Robert Kolak (NSW), Jared Lum (NSW), Mitchell Mallia (NSW), Joel Miller (SA), Chahine Noujaim (SA), Trent Sainsbury (WA), Nikola Stanojevic (NSW), Nick Tubbs (QLD), Marc Warren (NSW), Tedros Yabio (VIC)

Qantas Joeys Fixtures:
Thu 11 Oct Training Match v COE U16 Combined Team, Jalan Besar Stadium, 7.30pm kick off local time

Mon 15 Oct v Singapore U15, Singapore Sports School, 7.30pm kick off local time
Wed 17 Oct Australia v Malaysia, Jalan Besar Stadium, 7pm kick off local time

Fri 19 Oct v DPR Korea, Jalan Besar Stadium, 5pm kick off local time

Sun 21 Oct v East Timor, Jalan Besar Stadium, 5pm kick off local time

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